InspectAPedia ^®

This page contains additional notes on aluminum wiring intended for home inspectors. Readers should also see the Aluminum Wiring Home Page

Home Inspectors' Concerns Regarding Twist-On Connectors for Aluminum Wiring Repairs

The CPSC safey concerns with aluminum wiring hazards and problems with some of the aluminum wiring repair connectors on the market raise safety concerns. Home inspectors should review the CPSC recommendations for and against various aluminum wiring repair connectors (available at this website).

In addition to the re-wiring optin, there are aluminum-to-copper connection products that perform well for aluminum wiring repair using the copper-pigtailing method.

Based field experience with the inspection of in-service residential electrical wiring, the availability to consumers of any comparatively low-cost "solution," if it is approved for only narrow, specific, limited use, may result in widespread do-it-yourself misapplication and possibly dangerous use of the device.

We've already seen this problem where we've found use of common twist-on connectors as a "retrofit" made by homeowners and electricians who have heard that there is a "pigtailing" "fix" but who have not read the CPSC literature or who considered the AMP TYCO COPALUM aluminum wiring repair too costly or too difficult to obtain in their area.

Improper use of connectors can actually increase the probability of a fire since owners think the aluminum wiring hazard has been eliminated and may ignore important signs of a looming failure.

Ordinarily the CPSC does not "approve" nor "disapprove" specific products. An exception was the case of the "Copalum connector" for aluminum wiring, probably because another product of equal reliability had not been listed, and because of the inherent dangers of improper retrofit attempts.

Misunderstanding: ASHI Does Not Approve Products

Share this Article      

...

Technical Reviewers & References

Search InspectAPedia

• Daniel Friedman - principal author/editor of the InspectAPedia^® Website
• Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building design, inspection, and repair, and about indoor environment testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
• ...

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• Aluminum Wiring in Residential Properties

InspectAPedia® Home & Site Map - Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, & Problem Prevention Advice: In-depth research & advice on diagnosing, testing, correcting, & preventing building defects & indoor environmental hazards. Unbiased information, no conflicts of interest.

The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems

Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab

Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.

Building Inspection, Problem Diagnosis, Forensic Investigation & Testing, Repair Consulting

Contact Daniel Friedman for website content suggestions or for fee-paid consulting